Paul Nicholls has hit the ground running as the jumps season moves up a gear and can continue his good run with chasing newcomer Blue Business at Exeter tomorrow.

The useful hurdler looks to be an exciting prospect and is the one they all have to beat in the 3663 Duchy of Cornwall Challenge Cup Beginners' Chase (3.10).

The seven-year-old really hit top form through last season, winning all four of his starts from January onwards, which culminated with a really eye-catching performance at Cheltenham on his final outing.

Nicholls' charge romped home by 13 lengths on that occasion, leaving some smart sorts toiling in his wake.

The half-brother to King George VI Chase and Cheltenham Gold Cup winner See More Business should come into his own over fences and he must be followed.

The Ditcheat handler unleashes another interesting chasing recruit in the form of Cornish Sett, who can make a winning reappearance in the Total Pumps Beginners' Chase (4.10).

Winner of four of his seven starts, the six-year-old rounded off last term with a defeat over the classy Coat Of Honour at Ayr, having previously finished fourth in a Grade Three event at Sandown.

Given his smart form over timber, he should be a force to be reckoned with in this sphere and like all of Nicholls' horses, he will be fit enough to do himself justice first time out.

Boychuk was sent off at long odds-on for his hurdling debut two weeks ago over course and distance and he did not let his supporters down.

The Philip Hobbs-trained four-year-old was foot perfect when slamming his rivals by ten lengths and marking himself as a promising addition to the novice hurdling ranks.

Boychuk had previously landed a bumper in Ireland for John Kiely, which like his recent win came on fast ground, so conditions tomorrow should be no inconvenience and he can take the Gerrard Novices' Hurdle (3.40) before going on to better things.

Val De Maal rarely runs a bad race and this consistent sort can be rewarded in the Ripon Homes Ltd Handicap (3.20) at Southwell.

The four-year-old was only beaten a length and a half into fourth on his latest outing having finished in the runner-up spot the time before.

Val De Maal is no stranger to the all-weather either, having run on it 17 times and opened his account at Southwell three years ago.

This six-furlong race represents a winning opportunity.

Signal Hill may not have sent sparks flying on his debut at Newcastle earlier this month, but William Haggas' charge put up a most satisfactory performance and should not be long in opening his account.

After missing the kick, the son of Observatory tracked across from his high drawn, only to find trouble in running at a crucial stage, before running onto grab a place.

He should be much wiser for the experience and is the one to be on in the Continental Tyres Maiden Auction Stakes (4.20).

TOMORROW'S cards will appear in later editions of your Evening Gazette.